Listen

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Think

We know from other stories in the Gospels that Jesus strongly valued his relationships with his mom and brothers, so don’t jump to conclusions here. He is not dissing them in this scene. They are present in some of the most difficult days of his ministry. Instead, Jesus’ language is opening the door ever wider to welcome anyone into his family. Anyone, that is, who will both hear and do the will of God.

Do you remember that Jesus is both 100% human and 100% divine, all at the same time? In some extraordinary way, Jesus is his most true self in this equally divine and human existence. As we give up the need to have our own way, we will understand what it means to be at the center of God’s will. In our hearing and doing what pleases God, we will find that we are being our most true selves - the selves God intended us to be.

Pray

Most loving God, help me to see that I am capable of participating in your divinity. While I am fully human, your arms are opened wide to receive me as a brother or sister with Christ. May I live into your potential for me today. Amen.

Go

Allow the Lord to teach you the way of faith and truth, producing a heart undivided in its commitment to God's name.

Give thanks to God with your whole heart. Glorify God's name always, knowing that God's love for you is great and unwavering.

Inspired by Psalm 86

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writer

Valerie Burton

Valerie Burton lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Allan, their sons, Carter and Marshall, and dog, Byrd. She is the minister for Christian formation at Baptist Church of the Covenant. Life is good when there is coffee and a fire in the fireplace.